"Senior Mu En, it seems you're still a little hesitant," Huo Yuhao said with a calm smile. "In that case, let me be generous and share with you all the intel I know."
It was time for him to unveil his second trump card.
"Earlier, I didn't tell you about the current status of Elder Long Xiaoyao. But I've changed my mind—I'll tell you. I'll tell you the whereabouts of both Elder Long Xiaoyao and Elder Ye Xishui."
The moment the names "Long Xiaoyao" and "Ye Xishui" entered Mu En's ears, he could no longer maintain his composure. His entire body trembled, his pupils contracted into pinpoints. Were it not for the overwhelming presence of Snow Empress nearby, he would've already leapt forward uncontrollably.
Huo Yuhao didn't fear him at all. He simply took a few steps forward to stand beside Snow Empress and continued calmly:
"I believe you're somewhat familiar with the organization known as the Holy Spirit Cult?"
Mu En furrowed his brows and gave a slight nod. Yes, he knew it well. The ones who had ambushed Xuan Zi were from the Holy Spirit Cult—a group composed entirely of evil soul masters. He suspected that his once-beloved Ye Xishui, having fallen to darkness, was now part of that cult.
But why mention the Holy Spirit Cult now?
The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning, and his eyes widened again.
"Hahaha, that's right. Just as you've imagined—your old friend, Elder Ye Xishui, is none other than the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Spirit Cult. A Rank 99 Twin Martial Soul Evil Soul Master… a Limit Douluo."
"And your other old friend, Elder Long Xiaoyao—ah, he's truly shameless for the sake of love. He joined the Holy Spirit Cult too. With the Dark Holy Dragon as his martial soul, he now serves as their Chief Worship."
So it was true.
Mu En felt numb. The once-glorious trio of shining stars… had ended up like this.
"Sigh…"
A long sigh escaped Mu En's lips. He didn't know what else he could say.
"So, little one… what now?"
His tone had softened. His expression calmed. Now, he was ready to take Huo Yuhao's earlier proposal seriously.
"Next…" Huo Yuhao said slowly, "I'll let you in on something else. The current ruler of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tiannan, is in close cooperation with the Holy Spirit Cult. Now tell me—faced with the full might of the Sun Moon Empire's soul tool technology and the support of four Limit-level powerhouses, do you really think the Three Kingdoms of Douluo stand even the slightest chance?"
Mu En was speechless.
'If this is true… No, I know it is.'
This matched perfectly with the unease he had felt deep in his soul these past days. That premonition of darkness. If Shrek Academy were to tie itself to the Three Kingdoms' fate… yes, the future would be nothing but a boundless abyss.
"No. They wouldn't stand a chance."
Mu En didn't shy away from the truth. He answered with deep resignation.
The thought of the Sun Moon Empire working with the Holy Spirit Cult made him furious. Xu Tiannan's ambition was boundless. If war broke out, the destruction would be unimaginable.
But then, Mu En noticed something curious. Huo Yuhao—who had shown respect by calling him 'senior'—had referred to Emperor Xu Tiannan by name, without a hint of reverence.
"Hmph. Cooperating with the Holy Spirit Cult is like making a deal with a tiger. Xu Tiannan will undoubtedly turn on them sooner or later. As for me, I, Huo Yuhao, have always stood on the side of justice. I oppose the Holy Spirit Cult and their evil ways just as fiercely as your Shrek Academy does."
"In fact, let's add another clause to our agreement. Aside from the first deal, I propose this: when the war begins, Shrek Academy refrains from aiding the Three Kingdoms against the Sun Moon Empire's main forces. Instead, you form a secret cooperative relationship with me and Mingde Hall. Together, we eliminate the Holy Spirit Cult from the shadows."
"Also, I'll need you, Senior Mu En, to keep Long Xiaoyao and especially Ye Xishui occupied. And in return, I promise you: Shrek City will remain untouched."
Huo Yuhao had spoken a long string of words, but Mu En took in every syllable.
He could feel it—in this moment, he was standing at a crossroad that would determine the fate of everything. One wrong move, and it would all fall apart.
"Do I… even have a choice?" Mu En muttered bitterly.
He glanced at Huo Yuhao, who said nothing but whose gaze seemed to already contain the answer.
Then, lowering his head, Mu En fell into a long silence.
And at last—
"I agree."
He had compromised.
Huo Yuhao's eyes lit up with satisfaction. He clapped gently.
"Hahaha, Senior Mu En, you've made the wisest decision of your life. Snow Empress, come back."
Snow Empress nodded and dissolved into snowflakes, returning to Huo Yuhao's spiritual sea.
Seeing this, Mu En shuddered. So casually, so effortlessly—Huo Yuhao had just demonstrated full command over Snow Empress. It was terrifying. How had a human boy managed to control such an almighty being?
Honestly, even Huo Yuhao hadn't expected things to develop like this. He hadn't realized that after absorbing the Myriad-Year Profound Ice Marrow, Snow Empress's power would become so overwhelming.
"Since things went so smoothly, then I shall take my leave. Senior Mu En, I'll leave those two—the Dark Holy Dragon and Blood Soul Enchantress—under your watch for now. Until we meet again."
With that, Huo Yuhao turned around and walked away without looking back.
Even as a Limit Douluo, Mu En could do nothing to stop him.
Only after a long time had passed did Mu En finally stir. Slowly, his aged frame began to move. He looked up toward the distant sky and let out a heavy sigh.
"Douluo Continent… the sky is about to change."
His figure seemed older than ever as he walked away.
"Yuhao, you're back?"
Huo Yuhao nodded and sat back at the tea table, casually sipping his tea. He looked like someone who had simply stepped out to run a small errand. But Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen weren't fooled—they knew full well that he had just faced one of the Sea God Pavilion's ancient monsters.
Still, with Snow Empress at his side, they had never been worried.
Setting down his teacup, Huo Yuhao spoke:
"Tomorrow, I'm heading to the Great Star Dou Forest with Little Rui. Senior Meng, Senior Xiao, I suggest the two of you stay here at Shrek Academy for now."
(End of Chapter)
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